Tom Lappan, President and Co-owner of the Lappan Agency, Inc., presented the Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS) a check for $4,000 as Platinum Sponsor of the 18th Annual Thunder Bay Maritime Festival. A third-generation, family owned business started in 1931 by C.C. “Sam” Lappan, grandfather of the current owners, brothers Tom, Steve and John Lappan, the company is headquartered in Alpena and serves nearly 10,000 clients throughout Michigan.

This is the third consecutive year that the Lappan Agency has served as the lead sponsor for the Thunder Bay Maritime Festival. The festival is held in downtown Alpena along the Thunder Bay River on July 4th, with most activities free and open to the public. Highlights include a full day’s line up of live music, fun children’s activities, maritime storytellers and re-enactors, educational exhibits, locally sourced foods, the crowd-pleasing Cardboard Boat Regatta, and more.

“We are so fortunate to have the Lappan Agency serve as Platinum Sponsor for three years in a row. This local, family-owned business is a strong believer in giving back to their community,” said Jeff Gray, TBNMS superintendent.

“The Lappan’s financial support and hands-on engagement at the Thunder Bay Maritime Festival has helped the sanctuary elevate the quality of entertainment and fun family activities at the Maritime Festival that otherwise may not be possible,” added Gray.

As the Platinum Sponsor, the Lappan Agency, Inc. will receive top-level recognition in all festival promotion and advertising, as well as 10 tickets aboard the Lady Michigan’s July 4th Fireworks Cruise. The Fireworks Cruise provides one of the best vantage points possible for watching the Alpena annual fireworks celebration.

“The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a great asset to northeast Michigan, attracting hundreds of thousands of people to downtown Alpena and surrounding communities along the sanctuary shoreline over the past 18 years. The Maritime Festival is one of many ways the sanctuary has gone above and beyond to engage the community,” said Tom Lappan.

“The Lappan team recognizes the significant role the sanctuary plays in making the Alpena area more and more attractive for not only tourists, but local businesses and families as well. We are proud to be a part of the Thunder Bay Maritime Festival and look forward to seeing everyone along the riverfront on July 4th. We are glad that we can contribute to such a fun, worthwhile event,” said Tom Lappan.

To learn more about the Thunder Bay Maritime Festival, visit thunderbayfriends.org, or call Jean Prevo at 989-884-6208.